Calgary’s Folk Fest kicks off with distanced Summer Serenades | CBC News

Normally, there would be a lineup of hundreds of people waiting to get the best spot for their tarps, but things are a bit different this year.

What used to be a mix-n-mingling event will have some extra precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, artistic director Kerri Clarke says it is heartwarming to have a festival at all. 

“I think we’re one of the first festivals in the country to be doing something live and we called it Summer Serenades just to alter people’s perceptions of what they might expect,” she said. 

Ticket buyers for the concert are assigned to a space for their tarps and blankets that are six by eight feet (roughly two by 2.5 metres) — big enough to host up to four adults and two kids.

“We’ve really utilized our culture, which already has people sort of sitting in a certain area,” said Clarke. “So people are sitting with their parties.”

When moving around the site, attendees are encouraged to wear their masks — but can be completely unmasked to enjoy food and drinks in their space. 

There was five food venues to choose from this year, which is quite scaled down from years past, as well as the option to buy a cold one from the beer gardens to bring back to your tarp.

The festival is put together by hundreds of volunteers, and this year is no different.

Despite only having 600 helping hands rather than the usual 2,000, volunteer Diana Borak says the smaller setup is manageable.

“I feel like we’re well-staffed for the tasks that we do have to do,” she said. 

She adds that organizers have worked hard to make the event feel safe both as an attendee and volunteer

“There’s a lot of precaution and I think the mood overall is a lot of excitement,” she said.

“My favourite thing about the folk festival is the community that comes together so to be able to get back to that even in a slightly different way is just amazing.”